UK to Recognize a Palestinian State at UN General Assembly Draws Criticism from Hostages’ Families and Critics

Britain's Labour leader Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly, a move that immediately sparked backlash from families of Israeli hostages and drew sharp criticism from opponents who say it could complicate ongoing efforts to secure their loved ones' release. The decision marks a dramatic escalation in a foreign policy debate that has roiled the party and widened divisions within the British political spectrum over how to respond to the Gaza conflict and Hamas’s aggression.

According to the hostages’ families, eight Israeli citizens were abducted during Hamas’s October 7 attack and remain in captivity. In a letter to Starmer, they urged the opposition leader to withhold recognition until there is progress on hostage releases. The families wrote that Starmer’s decision would “dramatically complicate efforts to bring home our loved ones,” arguing that any unilateral move away from a conditional approach undermines negotiations and could embolden Hamas. An op-ed in the Daily Mail, attributed to commentator Dan Hodges, framed the families’ appeal as a direct appeal to the Labour leader and cited their appeal as a reason to oppose recognition until hostages are freed. “Your regrettable announcement of the UK’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly has dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones,” the families wrote. “Hamas has already celebrated the UK’s decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal.” ![Image](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/21/15/102323775-0-image-m-13_1758464833716.jpg